Operation: Walk the Walk is a campaign to collect men's new and used shoes, sneakers and boots that are in good condition. These will be distributed to the homeless at the Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission on Aug. 16.

On June 12, Jessica Lamson and Brian Zuch were honored with the Niagara-Wheatfield Kiwanis' 2014 scholarship awards. The recipients and their families were treated to dinner at the Jetport Family Restaurant before Kiwanis President Mary Dohm presented the scholarship awards.

The New York State Department of Health has awarded a $376,000 grant to Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center to support the launch of an innovative program to support family members caring for Medicaid beneficiaries at home and in the community.

The program, called "Building Bridges to Home and Community Care," will restructure the hospital discharge process to ensure better post-hospital care and reduce hospital readmissions and nursing home stays, thereby generating more than $2.3 million in Medicaid savings between now and September 2015.

Local leaders came out in force Wednesday night to thank volunteer firefighters and EMS workers as the Western New York Volunteer Firemen's Association kicked off its 115th annual convention at the St. Johnsburg Firehall in Wheatfield.

During the summer months, people crave juicy homegrown fruits and vegetables. Purchasing these goods locally rather than at your corporate grocer is a simple "feel good" way to give back to your community.

Some 1,000 volunteer firefighters, fire police and emergency medical services personnel are expected to arrive in Wheatfield for the 115th annual Western New York Volunteer Fireman's Association Convention.

As part of an initiative funded in four states by the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust, Wheatfield Pediatrics has been awarded a three-year grant to promote early literacy and school readiness for its youngest patients.

Catholic Charities will hold a free Breastfeeding Walk and Healthy Baby Festival from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 31 at the Hyde Park splash pad, on the corner of Pine and Hyde Park avenues, in Niagara Falls.

Quasar Energy Group's local representative Nate Carr is usually a minority of one at Wheatfield Town Board meetings when use of the company's equate as a farm fertilizer is discussed.

At Monday's board meeting, he brought reinforcements in the form of the Ohio-based company's Vice President for Technical Affairs Bruce Bailey and attorney Paul Keneally. The message was that the anaerobic digestion facility on Liberty Drive is not going to be driven out of town, and the town's moratorium and proposed ban on use of equate and building of a storage facility could be facing lawsuits.

Former Town of Niagara Supervisor Steve Richards received the expected sentence of three years probation from State Supreme Court Justice Christopher J. Burns on Monday in Lockport.

Burns said Richards could not be a political candidate during probation.

Richards had pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor charge on May 5 after being brought up on what started as 23 counts of official misconduct by the state attorney general's office. Richards' guilty plea involved having town employees pick up a drain and install it at his business.

As part of the agreement, Richards resigned from office and paid about $1,200 in restitution.

Remember the old Starlite drive-in movie on Military Road? The Town of Niagara can't bring back the joys of sitting in or on the hood of your car to watch the latest movies in the summertime in what is now Wegmans Plaza. However, local residents can bring the family and spread a blanket or bring a lawn chair to Veterans Park on Lockport Road (across from Town Hall) this summer to watch outdoor movies on a giant screen.

A wellness fair, open to the public, will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Monday, July 14, at Sandra Lane Senior Apartments, 705 Sandra Lane, North Tonawanda. Receive health information and enjoy giveaways, discounts and mini massages.

As we begin the month of July and with summer now in full swing, the Rotary Club of Niagara County-Central is busy preparing for its 24th annual Olde Sanborn Days festival, featuring live entertainment, arts and crafts and food vendors.

Returning to the Niagara County Fair this year with a new show is "K-9s In Flight - Frisbee Dog and High Jump Show." "K-9's In Flight" is the ultimate canine sports show, offering the best in high-flying, acrobatic, wholesome family entertainment.

Lee S. Wallace has announced his candidacy for supervisor in the Town of Niagara.

Wallace is a lifetime resident of the town and an employee for more than 40 years, currently serving as town recreation director.

Wallace, a registered Democrat, stated, "I am truly excited about the opportunity to once again serve the people of the Town of Niagara. My experience in town government gives me the credentials, leadership and understanding needed to provide the services the public requires."

Bible Adventure Camp will be held Sunday, July 6, through Thursday, July 10, at St. James Lutheran Church, 2437 Niagara Road. "Gangway to Galilee" will engage children each night from 6 to 8:15 p.m. with Bible stories, fun songs, crazy crafts, great snacks and awesome games.

With new state legislation authorizing the Department of Environmental Conservation to allow the taking of big game (deer and bear) or small game by the use of a crossbow at certain times and places in New York, DEC is now accepting public comment on proposed regulation changes so crossbows may be a legal implement for the fall 2014 hunting seasons.

The Lewiston Council on the Arts will join the festivities at the 24th annual Olde Sanborn Days Arts & Crafts Show Saturday, July 12 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and Sunday, July 13 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Enjoy the charm of this old-fashioned country fair and craft show, which has plenty of activities and demonstrations for the entire family.

Throughout the month of July, the SPCA Serving Erie County will be the recipient of partial proceeds from the sale of an all-new SPCA ice cream created by local shops. "Doggone Delight" is a vanilla ice cream with pretzel pieces, peanut butter, and a fudge swirl.

Advanced Dental presented a check for more than $3,600 to the 914th U.S. Air Force Reserve Base Thursday morning, the result of a fundraising campaign that donates all proceeds from professional teeth whitenings to the base's office of family support services.

Covanta Niagara presented $250,000 to Niagara County Community College President James P. Klyczek and several members of the NCCC board of trustees, NCCC Foundation board of directors, and NCCC distinguished alumnus State Sen. George Maziarz Tuesday evening.